How to Open a Homecare Business in Georgia

As more seniors choose to stay in their homes rather than going to an assisted living center or nursing home, the demand for home health care services in Georgia continues to grow. Now is the perfect time to open this type of business since the baby boomers are entering retirement and will soon need these services. Since home health care businesses are regulated by the state government, it is important to understand all regulations and policies to open a home care business in Georgia.

Things You'll Need

• Business plan
• Business license
• Home health care license
• EIN/TIN number
• Sales and tax use certificate

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Instructions

• 1

  Establish a business plan, just as you would with any type of business. It should include your goals and plans for the company as well as expenses and budgets for you to follow.

• 2

  Find an administrator for your home care business. The administrator is the person responsible for the oversight of the business on a day-to-day basis. Georgia law requires the administrator be a physician, registered nurse or someone who has had at least 1 year of work experience as an administrator in a home health care business.

• 3

  Register with the IRS for an employment identification number (EIN) or a tax identification number (TIN) to open your home care business in Georgia. You will use this number on the applications you fill out for your license as well as other documents for your business. You can get it by visiting the website of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

• 4

  Find a location to house your home care business. The advantage of a home health care business is the fact that a large facility isn't needed since much of the work for the business is conducted in the client's home. However, you will need offices as well as storage facilities to keep supplies in. It is also beneficial to have some type of public reception area so prospective clients can come to your location to arrange services.

• 5

  Obtain a business license through your city or county government. In most cases, a license is granted from the city for any business within city limits, while outside the city limits is the responsibility of the county to issue licenses. However, if you are uncertain, you can contact the local chamber of commerce to assist you in making the correct determination.

• 6

  Apply for a license with the Georgia Office of Regulatory Services. This state office oversees all the home health care businesses in Georgia and has the power to approve, deny or revoke a license. In addition to filling out an application, you must pay a $200 licensing fee and pass a physical inspection of your business facility.

• 7

  Register with the Georgia Department of Revenue (DOR) for sales tax since you are providing services within the state of Georgia. You also should check the local government that granted you a business license to ensure there are no taxes you need to charge and collect for them.

• 8

  Set up your financial and accounting systems. A lot of money will be coming in and going out of your business, thus it is important to track and account for every single penny. You may find it beneficial to meet with a financial business planner or accountant to ensure the finances for your home care business are set before you open your doors.

• 9

  Hire employees to provide care and services to clients. There are a number of different services you can provide through your home health care agency. General nursing care, assistance with daily tasks and rehabilitation services are just some of the options you have. Hire the appropriate staff who are licensed to do their jobs with the state of Georgia.

• 10

  Market your business and help it grow. Getting the word out about your home care business is critical, especially in the beginning when trying to establish a name for yourself. There are a multitude of marketing and advertising options, such as newspaper and television ads, fliers, billboards and direct marketing to elderly citizens in the community.